2025 is kicking off with some really fun book releases, which is giving me high expectations for the pages we’ll be turning throughout the year.

When I saw Natalie C. Parker pop up on Colored Pages Tours’ list, I had to say yes since I’ve heard about her from like 20 different authors. I’m so glad that they were correct on multiple levels. Natalie is kicking off 2025 with The Assassin’s Guide to Babysitting [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM] and it’s so much fun!

Our main character is Tru, and she’s been through it before the story even starts. Her parents were both murdered and she’s presumed dead as well. She’s been in hiding for years with a man her mom told her to go to, and he just so happens to be a notorious assassin. Logan killed ‘talented’ people, aka people with superpowers, who stepped out of line. But he gave that up to raise Tru and keep her safe.

After a bit of convincing, Logan lets Tru go with her best friend on a babysitting gig, but things go sideways when someone tries to take the baby. Tru and her friends end up on the run with a baby, learning more about the superpowered world they’re a part of and trying to keep some major secrets.

This is such a fun book. Once things get going, it’s high energy and tension all the way through. It’s a fun blend of superhero universe with reality, which I especially love because this is set in Kansas City and I know a lot of the landmarks mentioned. Even the little Western Auto sign on the cover made me smile. This also has a lot of heart, as Tru navigates several losses, friendships in spite of secrets, and a crush on her best friend’s sister.

Natalie told me that there is a book two coming and I cannot wait to see what adventures away Tru and the gang next in the caves of KC. Look for The Assassin’s Guide to Dating in 2026.

118. MARIE BENEDICT RETURNS: A two-timeline tale of a female pharoah chiseled out of history – LiteraryHype Podcast

Send us Fan MailThis week on LiteraryHype Podcast, Marie Benedict returns. Her conversation in episode 68 was the most-downloaded episode of 2025, and she's challenging you all to make this one do even better.Marie's newest book is Daughter Of Egypy, which is about a female pharoah named Hatshepsut and the female archaeolgist, Lady Evelyn Clarke, who went in search of her tomb and found something even bigger. Both women saw their accomplishments diminished, and Marie explores what may have gone down in history. We're talking all about the book, her trips to Egypt, and her efforts to tell the story correctly.Links to come.Support the showSupport the podcast by shopping:EtsyMy Bookshop.org listsLibroFM audiobooksTry Audible Plus  Gift Audible Membership Glocusent LED Neck Reading LightTry Shameless Snacks10% Off at Once Upon a Bookclub10% off Goli VitaminsTWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS with new LibroFM Membership: Kindle Unlimited FREE FOR THREE MONTHS!Prime Television FREE TRIALJoin the fun!WebsiteInstagramTiktokY…

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